3.5-4 star rating

It took me a bit to warm up to the narrator, but overall I do think she was a good choice. For some audiobooks it takes time for me to figure out if the voice matches how I picture the character and this was one of those times. I keep in mind that this is how the author intends the character is to be perceived. The narrator did a good job telling the story and transiting through the character voices.

The story is entertaining. The characters, especially her mom, bring more to the story. The side characters were the stars of the story. I would like to have seen more action, especially from the main character. The moments are there, but I didn't get the "wow" factor from them.

Overall this is a fun book to read.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

This was a humorous story. I liked the characters and the story was fun to listen to. I knew I was going to like this book after reading the description (which I read because of the title).

You Should Smile More
by Anastasia Ryan
4/5 ⭐️

Vanessa Blair is the biggest animal lover and wants to make a difference in the world. She finds herself in a blah telemarketing job catering to her narcissistic boss. She doesn’t love her job, but she loves who she works with… Jane and Trisha are her best friends. So when her boss, Xavier Adams fires her for her “resting bitch face”, she is shocked. Doesn’t she pull her own weight in the office? Who sees her face? She is a telemarketer!

Flabbergasted, the girls turn to schnapps and the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu to conjure up a plan of revenge. Vanessa starts to have second thoughts and decides to file for unemployment. Carter Beckett, the unemployment rep assigned to her case is very interested in her case. With the help of her friends, Carter and her mother, Vanessa stands up to Xavier.
You Should Smile More was a cute and entertaining read! I worked as a telemarketer for a short, short time in college so I immediately connected with the main character, Vanessa. I found myself laughing out loud at times especially with the glitter incident. Another laughable element was the Bridge Brigade, Vanessa’s mother and her friends trying to meddle into Vanessa’s business. Finally, I liked how Vanessa and Carter flirted but their romance was not the main focus of the book. I would definitely recommend this book if you want a quirky, fun read!

Read this book if you like:
🐱Cats
☕️Coffee
🗄Office workplaces
👧🏻Girlpower
💝HEA

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review. The audiobook narrator, Hillary Huber, was entertaining with all the voices. This review expresses my own personal options.
Book was released on January 17th.
Already bought my physical copy! 😀

I really liked this! It was cute and funny! It’s about a woman who gets fired because of her face (yes she’s a telemarketer so no that shouldn’t matter) who, along with her friends, comes up with a plan to get back at her former employee. Hijinks ensue. Many kittens. Several spurned employees. A bridge brigade of old ladies. One wild turkey. And a dash of romance.
I loved the wacky combo of office goings on and cats and the art of war and Latin randomly being spoken. I loved the relationships between characters, specifically the friendships. The bridge brigade made me audibly laugh while listening to this on the way to work. I found myself wanting to do more chores and run more errands so I could keep listening. A joy to read!

I fully enjoyed this book. It was light, funny and strangely close to home personally. I have had similar comments made about myself in the workplace and it negatively impacted my job relationships and advancement, so I resonanted with this main character. It is definitely a fanatsy of funny ways to torment a bad boss which ends with a soft mystery undertone with a soft does of romance. It brought many smiles and chuckles and I would definitely recommend it for an easy reading option. All my friends will be hearing about this one from me.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

Audiobook rating: j'adore!!!!

Performance: all the stars | Plot: bangerlicious | Ending: yay!

OOOOOHWEEE did I ever LOVE this!! I listened to it in one afternoon (1.5x speed). What a BANGER. Now my dumbass thought this was a straight up romcom, but I got so much more. Like Lindsey Kelk's books, it was more women's fiction with a splish splash of romance. Speaking of Lindsey Kelk, if you vibulate with her books, I'm certain you'll love this one too.

First of all, big shoutout to the narrator. Homegirl was putting in WERK. Loved the different voices she used for each character; this is a huge plus as a listener. She really brought the story to life.

Next, I loved the content of the book. What millennial (and I guess gen-z now... *shudders in I'm getting old*) hasn't suffered through a soul-sucking job for pennies and broken promises in their 20s? I know I have. Multiple jobs in fact. I loved how this addressed the pitfalls of today's toxic work culture and bleak af job economy. And I absolutely loved how we saw the leading ladies stand up for themselves (in their own ways). On a serious note... KNOW YOU RIGHTS. FILE THOSE FEDERAL AND STATE/PROVINCIAL CLAIMS. DON'T LET THESE HOES RUN CIRCLES ON YOU. As someone who filed both federal and provincial labour claims, I'm telling you it's worth it! Break the cycle!

This book had the perfect balance of serious life stuff and jokey jokes. I audibly chortled at the "you can never just eat one hot dog" remark and the evil boss splitting the employees into Team Iraq and Team North Korea for the office olympics. LMaooOOOO. Anyways. Yes, she used the word mansplaining early-on, which is usually my sign to exit stage left, but this book was refreshingly pander free. Which is surprising given the title sets it up to be very much #bossbabe feminism. Points were made without burning of bras.

All in all, I highly recommend if you're looking for a different listen in between all the stabbings and serial killings 😂

Anastasia Ryan’s You Should Smile More was one of the funniest Rom-coms that I’ve read this year. From the protagonist’s reason for her termination being “her face”, to the conversation in which one character said to the other, “I have anxiety. I would like the opportunity to focus that anxiety on you”, I laughed out loud and was glad that I wasn’t reading this book in a quiet library.

The plot of this book ended up being very unique, but the characters who you follow throughout the odd and hilarious antics make it very real and strangely plausible. I mean, there is a girl-meets-boy theme/trope, but how many people fall in twitterpation with their unemployment claim investigator? Also, using Sun Tzu’s Art of War as a manual for one’s plan of revenge attack was evil and hysterical genius.

The following your heart/chasing your dreams theme/trope was handled in a one-of-a-kind way, as well, and again with wit and hilarity, yet also relatable. Many of us ended our college careers with degrees not in the field of our aspirational goals and dreams, just as the protagonist did.

Pick this book up, and you, too, can laugh so hard that you cry; as well as to tear up with pride over character development in the story.

So many huge thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this laugh and audio ARC. I needed this.

Hilarious audiobook narrated by Hillary Huber. Vanessa is fired from her job and told the reason is... "your face"?!?!? As a life-long member of RBF Club, I could relate. After a drunken night was other employees after being fired, a plan was hatched to get even with the... barefooted, team building enforcing (NOT on the clock), humiliating and just plain rude obnoxious boss! From planting listening device in his office, glitter bombs and wild turkeys in the office topped off with her mom obsessed with crime shows making a murder board in your living room, to your unemployment tattooed very attractive counselor... and a bunch of kittens. I could see it playing out like a comedy movie in my head that would make for a great girl's night out! .
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape for the ARC!

Vanessa is suddenly fired from her job as a telemarketer, the reason being that the boss doesn't "like her face". Yes, she was fired for having RBF. A few of her friends suffered the same fate immediately afterward. One drunken evening they scheme to get revenge on their former boss, Xavier. With some crazy hijinks including a planted monitor, some glitter and other craziness, they start to uncover some dirt about Directis and plan to take the company down.

This debut novel by Anastasia Ryan is feel good and very funny! I really enjoyed the pace of the story, the characters, and the narration was excellent! I highly recommend!!!

Thank you to Anastasia Ryan, Dreamscape and Netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but oh my gosh it was so GOOD. Vanessa Blair is laid off from her toxic job in telemarketing by her toxic boss and the reason she’s given is because he doesn’t like her face or facial expressions. This is obviously a ridiculous reason and because she refuses the pathetic (3 day) severance package, she files for unemployment benefits.

After her firing, her friend Trisha bugs the office to listen in and due to one of Vanessa’s many foster kittens the listening device gets knocked behind her washing machine, so she has access to all of the toxic and misogynistic and flat out ridiculous happenings at her former employer.

Soon after filing for unemployment she gets a call to come down to the office to discuss her application for benefits, where Vanessa also meets a cute man named Carter. She confirms to him yes her face was actually the reason she was given for termination. Vanessa and Carter hit it off and he eventually comes to want to adopt one of the several calico kittens she is fostering.

Her friend Jane is fired with her and shortly after her friend Trisha is let go as well. These women have the best friendship dynamic. They all come together in a tough time for all of them and bond over horrific and hazing-like scenarios they were put in (on their personal time, even) from their former employer.

There’s also a mom group that Vanessa’s mom is in that does build a classic murder board of sorts.

This book is fresh, funny and delightful while still providing relevant commentary about corporate work culture, misogyny and the power of using your voice (as well as how vital true friendships can be).

The narrator of this audiobook did an excellent job bringing this book to life & was the perfect choice for this story.

5 stars!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 by Anastasia Ryan
Published: January 17, 2023
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: Audio

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Thank you thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Anastasia Ryan, and NetGalley for sending me this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my goodness! I saw this book mentioned around #bookstagram, and I knew I had to read it! I requested the ARC and when I was approved, I audibly squealed!

I tend to gravitate towards thrillers, domestic, dramas, and lit fic, so stumbling across this lighthearted comedy was exactly what my soul needed this week. It was laugh-out-loud funny, I loved all of the characters (and hate-loved the ones I was supposed to hate) and absolutely adored Anastasia’s creativity!

The fresh and unique storyline was so engrossing, and her creative names for the coffee shop and ice cream store were so cute! I did think that Vanessa’s mom and her friends were insanely overbearing, but I think that added even more to the comedy.

I definitely forgot I was “reading” while I was listening and felt so immersed in Vanessa’s world. From Xavier’s grass to the quirky shenanigans the friends got up to, I couldn’t wait to find out more!

If January has been a long month for you, and you need something fun and lighthearted, pick up this book. NOW!

I came for the cover and stayed for the quirkiness. I won't lie: this book is over the top at times. There are very eccentric characters and crazy (bordering on unbelievable) shenanigans. However, what really shines throughout are the friendships and the lengths to which these women will go to avenge and protect each other. Plus, there are foster kitties and a sweet romance to top it all off.

I enjoyed the writing and the humor. My only real issue with the book was the pacing. For a book under 300 pages, it sure felt like it was well over 400. Also, you really need to suspend disbelief for some of the things that happen.

Overall, I had a great time reading/listening to this. I think several people will find this to be a breath of fresh air. I look forward to what the author writes next.

I also thought the narrator did a great job.

Perfect for fans of:
The Movie: 9 to 5
Slow-burn Romances
Clean Romances
Main Character Has Pets
Over-the-Top Side Characters
Found Families
Female Friendships
Feminist Leanings
Revenge on Crap Bosses

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media (audio version), and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan is a quirky romcom with scheming, flirting, and friendship.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book hits a slow pace near the middle and becomes less realistic but entertaining. It definitely had some funny moments and I really enjoy when authors use relevant quotes at the start of chapters. It’s a nice touch!

The audiobook narrator was very good and had a decent voice range. Overall I think her tone and voice was fitting for the FMC.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

Cute & fun little read. Loved the characters and it had good pacing. The narrator was good as well.

I absolutely loved this one, it was so funny!! The narrator is one of my favorites and she did an amazing job as always. The storyline is interesting and the characters are all entertaining. Highly recommend!

This book is the epitome of rom-com. I enjoyed it so much. Not only did it involve cats, but it was so hilarious, I was laughing throughout. When Vanessa Blair is fired from her job because of her face, she takes action with her friends, and, unfortunately, mother as accomplices to get back at her ruthless boss. In the midst of the chaos, she meets Carter. Can he help her with her unemployment and her love life? This a original and wonderful debut novel. Anastasia Ryan has become one of my authors to watch.

this was a struggle to get through. I’m glad I had it on audio otherwise I would have stopped listening. I found the premise fun but just didn’t enjoy where it went and found it difficult to follow at times

This book is highly entertaining, fast paced, and great for those that need a little romance.

Honestly, my favorite part of this book is Vanessa’s mom and the Bridge Brigade. Who doesn’t love a group of older ladies who come together to solve crimes? These ladies are the bees knees and I aspire to be as awesome as them when I’m older.

As soon as I read the description for You Should Smile More I wanted it so badly! Vanessa works as a telemarketer and is fired because of her facial expressions, ghost employees(not of the spiritual realm), and kittens! Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. The foot topic came up too much and the storyline seemed to repeat itself quite a bit. That being said, I think this may be the book for you if you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery.

I really enjoyed this book and that goes a long way knowing myself and how I typically do not care for Rom-Coms. I really liked the characters and how the writer gave them each a unique and believable personality. I laughed whenever the Mother was mentioned and how she and the main character interacted. This story about justifying revenge and going out of your comfort zone is a perfect read for anyone :)

Early last week, I was browsing Netgalley’s audiobook section and came across You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan. The author (and book) were unfamiliar to me, but the cover really caught my eye, so I requested it on a whim. My approval came in shortly after, so I started listening the very next day. The opening line grabbed my attention immediately:

“We don’t like your face.”

Ummm, what!? Ha! I couldn’t help but snort. The reader quickly finds out that the main character, Vanessa Blair is being fired for her solemn facial expressions, aka RBF. (Resting Bitch Face) And let me tell you, the story just gets more entertaining from there! The company has one of the wackiest workplace environments EVER, and the strangest office culture. Her boss is a mix between Michael from The Office and Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada. Absolutely ridiculous and waaaay out there! You will giggle, snort, and chuckle your face off! Trust me! 😂

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Cats, cats, and more cats!
- Office settings
- Quirky characters
- Mother/daughter relationships
- Female friendship
- Laugh at loud storylines
- Sweet, subtle, and unexpected romances
- Investigating fraudulent practices in the workplace

I’m so glad I discovered this book on Netgalley, and took a chance on it. I needed something fun to listen to, and this one fit the bill perfectly. I can’t wait to read more from the author! You Should Smile More is out now, and I give it 4/5 solid stars!